FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The Patriots secured their future and ended their long-running soap opera Wednesday by signing left guard Logan Mankins to a six-year deal.

After the Pro Bowler called out the organization by saying it did not keep its word to compensate him handsomely, it finally gave him the long-term security he coveted. Now, the player who helped spur an eight-game winning streak last year by dominating the line of scrimmage is back for good. Don’t be surprised if he finishes his career as a Patriot.

Mankins sat out the first seven games last season in a contract dispute with the team, and the wounds were deep enough that many thought he would not be back. But the Patriots placed the franchise tag on Mankins and the two sides eventually were able to hammer out the long-term deal.

Notes: The rookie with the most to gain in the exhibition opener against the Jags on Thursday night is third-round running back Stevan Ridley. The other drafted back, second-rounder Shane Vereen, has practiced only one time. So if Ridley shines, he could carve out a nice spot for himself on game day.

Coach Bill Belichick was noncommittal about how many snaps quarterback Tom Brady will take against the Jaguars. In the past, Brady has played a quarter or so in the exhibition opener, and maybe he will again. But more important is the kind of snaps he takes. Left tackle Matt Light will miss the game, and his replacement will almost certainly be rookie Nate Solder. Don’t be surprised if Solder has help on every play, and don’t be surprised if Brady unloads quick passes most of the time. Solder needs work, but nothing is worth putting the franchise’s best at risk.